Events

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The Passaic Optimist Club holds a number of events throughout the year to celebrate the achievements of young people and honor those who serve them and the wider community. The funds raised through these events go toward the scholarships we award each year that help youth attain their dreams of college and the greater opportunities higher education offers, and to supporting athletic programs and civic organizations that support youth.

We also hold events that simply bring the power of optimism into the community, such as: our Hot Dog Night, which honors the players of both the Passaic and Clifton High School football teams; our annual Essay Contest; and Youth Appreciation, Community Service and Beefsteak awards dinners.

We hold our regular meetings on the first Thursdays of each month at Garden State Ale House in East Rutherford beginning at 7:00 p.m., September through June. First-time visitors are welcome. With optimism also comes reverie and camaraderie.

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Meeting Schedule

Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019

Zumbathon – Mobley Scholarship fundraiser (TENTATIVE)

TBA

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

Regular Meeting – Taos Restaurant

 7:00 pm

Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019

Regular Meeting – Taos Restaurant

 7:00 pm

Friday, Feb. 1, 2019

Optimist Annual Beefsteak Dinner – Brownstone, Paterson, NJ

Click here to purchase a ticket

 7:00 pm

Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019

Regular Meeting – Taos Restaurant

 7:00 pm

Thursday, Mar. 21, 2019

Regular Meeting – Taos Restaurant

 7:00 pm

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Youth Appreciation Dinner, Sevilla – TENTATIVE

 7:00 pm

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Regular Meeting – Taos Restaurant

 7:00 pm

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Community Service Awards Dinner, Sevilla – TENTATIVE

 7:00 pm

May/June 2019 – TENTATIVE

Youth In Government Day Luncheon, Sevilla Restaurant

12:00 pm

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Foundation Trustees scholarship applications dinner meeting – location TBD

 7:00 pm

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Regular Meeting – Taos Restaurant

 7:00 pm

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Golf Outing – Ballyowen Golf Club

Click here to purchase a ticket or sponsorship

12:00 pm

Our Signature Events

Optimist Annual Beefsteak

Optimist Annual Beefsteak

Friday February 1, 2019 at 7pm at the Brownstone House in Paterson, NJ.
Those who dedicate themselves to education open invaluable doors for youth. Each year at our Beefsteak Dinner we honor our Person of the Year, someone in education or who supports education or who is dedicated to community service and has made a difference in the lives of young people, all while demonstrating an optimistic attitude. This year’s 2018 Optimist Person of the Year is Ms. Cathy Palumbo.

$70 Per Ticket

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Youth In Government Luncheon

Youth In Government Luncheon

Our Youth in Government Day enables more than 50 students from Passaic High School to spend a half-day embedded in the Passaic government administration to learn how government operates. Students are paired with members of the city’s mayor’s office or other government department or city Board of Education, based on their potential career interests. The day begins with a meeting with the Mayor in the City Council Chambers, followed by several hours shadowing their mentor for the day, and then a celebratory luncheon with guest speaker.

When: TBD

Annual Hank Opalka/Harold Ferguson Golf Outing

Annual Hank Opalka/Harold Ferguson Golf Outing

Our annual golf outing raises funds to support the Passaic Optimist Friend of Youth Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity. During the past year the Foundation awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships to Passaic High School students, renewal scholarships to students in college and grants to several local athletic programs and civic organizations which serve the youth of Passaic. We welcome members and non-members alike as we enjoy a day on the links and dinner in the clubhouse.

Thursday, June 27, 2019 – 11:30 a.m. registration and lunch / 1:00 p.m. Start/Scramble Format – Ballyowen Golf Club, Vernon, NJ. Register now

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Zumba Charity Zumbathon in Honor of Antoinette Nicole Scholarship Fund!

This event was held on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at Backstage Performing Arts Center on 194 Park Avenue  Rutherford, NJ.

If you would like to make a donation, checks are payable to The Passaic Optimist Club.

Youth In Government Luncheon

Youth In Government Luncheon

Our Youth in Government Day enables more than 50 students from Passaic High School to spend a half-day embedded in the Passaic government administration to learn how government operates. Students are paired with members of the city’s mayor’s office or other government department or city Board of Education, based on their potential career interests. The day begins with a meeting with the Mayor in the City Council Chambers, followed by several hours shadowing their mentor for the day, and then a celebratory luncheon with guest speaker.

When: June 7, 2017 at 12:30pm at Seville Restaurant

Antionette Nicole Mobley Scholarship Wine and Dine Fundraiser

Antionette Nicole Mobley Scholarship Wine and Dine Fundraiser

Eat! Drink! Give! Fundraiser at Zin Burger, 850 Route 3 West, Clifton, NJ. 20% of all purchases on June 6, 2017 will be donated to the Passaic Optimist Antionette Nicole Mobley Scholarship.

View / download jpg file for details

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